Volkswagen and Uber are teaming up to eventually launch a commercial robotaxi service in Los Angeles. They expect to open this new, fast, high-demand service by the end of 2026. With this unique partnership, the seaside town will make widespread use of Volkswagen’s all-electric ID Buzz vehicles as a catalyst for advancing this next phase of urban mobility.
Now, these two industry titans are teaming to build the world’s first fleet of autonomous vehicles. They will be kicking things off with 10 ID Buzz units. To help navigate these city streets, these autonomous vehicles are outfitted with impressive new technology from Mobileye which makes them both safe and efficient to operate. Volkswagen recently deployed its own test program for autonomous mobility in Austin, Texas, in July of 2023. This move is another huge step in their commitment to this amazing technology.
Volkswagen and Uber have partnered with over 14 autonomous vehicle firms, encompassing areas such as ride-hailing, delivery, and trucking. This partnership underscores their evident ambition to bring the service to several U.S. cities in the coming decade. Beyond Los Angeles, they have not announced any specific future markets.
Volkswagen is more than a car company. We’re deeply committed to building a better future of mobility, and our partnership with Uber moves us faster toward that vision, said Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility.
Safety continues to be the core focus of both companies. Until 2027, Volkswagen will have human safety operators behind the wheel of their national fleet. During the early rollout stage of the robotaxi service, these operators will oversee operations remotely.
Uber has captured its share of recent headlines with similar robotaxi plans. The company recently introduced a similar service in Austin, Texas, using its partnership with Waymo. They intend to grow this offering to Atlanta by summer 2024.
Senger focused on the unique strengths of this new partnership. We blend world-class high-volume manufacturing expertise with best-in-class technology and an intimate knowledge of the evolving needs of urban mobility.
This should be a herald of the new robotaxi service, which promises to revolutionize transportation in cities and suburbs. It will introduce Chicago residents to a sustainable, more convenient ride-hailing experience. Volkswagen and Uber should hope to stay ahead in this rapidly changing mobility landscape. That’s why they are leading the charge by combining cutting edge autonomous technology with next generation electric vehicles.